Meals on Wheels Faces Federal Funding Cuts, Altadena Service Resumes After Fire

Meals on Wheels programs across the United States are facing varied challenges and milestones in 2025. Altadena Meals on Wheels, heavily impacted by the January Eaton Fire which destroyed many volunteers' homes and the local senior center, resumed service in June, now delivering hot meals to fewer households but persisting through volunteer commitment and community donations. In Natrona County, Wyoming, Meals on Wheels and senior centers confront potential federal funding cuts of around 15%, threatening their ability to serve over 500 homebound seniors and possibly forcing waiting lists for the first time in decades. Meanwhile, the Senior Community Center in Owensboro-Daviess County, Kentucky, received a $9,600 grant to help establish a dedicated vehicle fleet for their Meals on Wheels program, marking a significant operational improvement. Additionally, Lifford Old Courthouse in Ireland is actively recruiting volunteers to support its local Meals on Wheels service, highlighting ongoing volunteer needs. These developments illustrate both the critical community reliance on such services and the financial and operational hurdles they face.